Communication method and apparatus

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus. The method includes: a terminal device sends a carrier aggregation (CA) capability reporting message to a network device, where the CA capability reporting message includes a frequency separation class of each of at least one radio frequency (RF) channel of the terminal device and a power amplifier (PA) architecture of the terminal device. The PA architecture indicates that the PA architecture that can be used by the terminal device to support CA is a single PA and/or a plurality of PAs. The network device can improve CA resource configuration flexibility by using the foregoing method.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of International Application No.PCT/CN2021/090168, filed on Apr. 27, 2021, which claims priority toChinese Patent Application No. 202010352423.5, filed on Apr. 28, 2020.The disclosures of the aforementioned applications are herebyincorporated by reference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The embodiments may relate to the communication field, a communicationmethod, and an apparatus.

BACKGROUND

A carrier aggregation (CA) technology can be used to aggregate aplurality of contiguous or non-contiguous component carriers (CCs) toform a large bandwidth. This increases uplink and downlink transmissionrates and meets requirements for increasing a peak rate and a systemcapacity. In the CA technology, a terminal device may determine, basedon a capability of the device, a maximum quantity of carriers that canbe used to perform uplink and downlink transmission at the same time.

In intra-band non-contiguous carrier aggregation (NC CA), a terminaldevice reports a supported non-contiguous CA combination, a capabilityparameter of the combination, a band used in the combination, aparameter of the band, and a parameter of each CC in the combination,for example, a bandwidth, a subcarrier spacing (SCS), a quantity ofmultiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) layers, or the like. The quantityof MIMO layers reported in this manner is a corresponding quantity ofMIMO layers supported by the terminal device on each CC under anassumption that each radio frequency (RF) channel of the terminal deviceprocesses only a wanted signal.

In an existing reporting manner, the terminal device can report only oneMIMO layer quantity capability for each CC that is in one CAconfiguration.

SUMMARY

The embodiments may provide a communication method and apparatus, sothat a network device can improve CA resource configuration flexibility.

According to a first aspect, a communication method is provided. Themethod includes: A terminal device sends a carrier aggregation (CA)capability reporting message to a network device, where the CAcapability reporting message includes a frequency separation class ofeach of at least one radio frequency (RF) channel of the terminal deviceand a power amplifier (PA) architecture of the terminal device. The PAarchitecture indicates that the PA architecture that can be used by theterminal device to support CA is a single PA and/or a plurality of PAs.

The terminal device associates the frequency separation class of each RFchannel with the PA architecture of the terminal device by reporting aCA capability that includes the frequency separation class of each RFchannel and the PA architecture. In this way, the terminal device maynotify, based on the frequency separation class and the PA architecture,the network device of all possible CA configurations supported by theterminal device, so that the network device can flexibly and properlyconfigure a CA resource based on a CA capability reported by theterminal device.

In another possible implementation, the frequency separation classincludes one frequency separation class value, and the PA architecturethat can be used by the terminal device to support the CA and that isindicated by the PA architecture is the single PA.

In another possible implementation, the method further includes: Theterminal device receives frequency separation of the CA configured bythe network device, where the frequency separation of the CA configuredby the network device is determined based on the CA capability reportingmessage. When the frequency separation of the CA configured by thenetwork device is less than or equal to a maximum value of frequencyseparation classes of RF channels, the terminal device processes, byusing the single PA, the frequency separation of the CA configured bythe network device; and when the frequency separation of the CAconfigured by the network device is greater than the maximum value ofthe frequency separation classes of the RF channels, the terminal deviceprocesses, by using the plurality of PAs, the frequency separation ofthe CA configured by the network device.

The terminal device may flexibly determine, based on a frequencyseparation class of a CA configured by the network device and thefrequency separation class of each RF channel of the terminal device,whether the terminal device supports the CA by using one PA or theplurality of PAs. This fully utilizes the CA capability of the terminaldevice.

In another possible implementation, the CA capability reporting messagefurther includes a maximum quantity of multiple-input multiple-output(MIMO) layers, and the maximum quantity of MIMO layers corresponds tothe PA architecture.

In another possible implementation, the maximum quantity of MIMO layersincludes a corresponding maximum MIMO layer quantity capability when theterminal device supports the CA by using the single PA, and acorresponding maximum MIMO layer quantity capability when the terminaldevice supports the CA by using the plurality of PAs.

A maximum quantity of MIMO layers when the terminal device supports theCA by using the single PA may be different from a maximum quantity ofMIMO layers when the terminal device supports the CA by using theplurality of PAs. By reporting corresponding quantities of MIMO layersin different cases, the network device may perform proper MIMOconfiguration and scheduling based on the quantities of MIMO layersreported by the terminal device.

In another possible implementation, the CA capability reporting messagefurther includes RF indicator relaxation information, the RF indicatorrelaxation information indicates whether RF indicator relaxation isrequired when the terminal device supports the CA by using the singlePA, and the RF indicator relaxation includes adjacent channel leakageratio ACLR indicator relaxation and spectrum emission mask SEM indicatorrelaxation.

The RF indicator relaxation information further indicates the CAcapability of the terminal device. The network device may furtherdetermine, based on the RF indicator relaxation information, how toproperly configure CA for the terminal device based on capabilityinformation. In this way, the CA configuration is more flexible. Forexample, when the terminal device reports to the network device that theterminal device needs the RF indicator relaxation to support the CA in acurrent CA combination configuration by using the single PA, the networkdevice may perform scheduling adjustment in terms of a modulation orderand the like, to better improve network performance.

According to a second aspect, a communication method is provided. Themethod includes: A network device receives a carrier aggregation (CA)capability reporting message sent by a terminal device, where the CAcapability reporting message includes a frequency separation class ofeach of at least one radio frequency (RF) channel of the terminal deviceand a power amplifier (PA) architecture of the terminal device. The PAarchitecture indicates that the PA architecture that can be used by theterminal device to support CA is a single PA and/or a plurality of Pas.

The network device receives a CA capability that is reported by theterminal device and that includes the frequency separation class of eachRF channel and the PA architecture and learns of all possible CAconfigurations supported by the terminal device, so that the networkdevice can flexibly and properly configure a CA resource based on a CAcapability reported by the terminal device.

In another possible implementation, the frequency separation classincludes one frequency separation class value, and the PA architecturethat can be used by the terminal device to support the CA and that isindicated by the PA architecture is the single PA.

In another possible implementation, the method further includes: Thenetwork device determines, based on the CA capability reporting message,frequency separation of the CA configured for the terminal device; andthe network device sends the frequency separation of the configured CAto the terminal device. When the frequency separation of the CAconfigured by the network device is less than or equal to a maximumvalue of frequency separation classes of RF channels, the terminaldevice processes, by using the single PA, the frequency separation ofthe CA configured by the network device; and when frequency separationof a CA configured by the network device is greater than the maximumvalue of the frequency separation classes of the RF channels, theterminal device processes, by using the plurality of Pas, the frequencyseparation of the CA configured by the network device.

The terminal device may flexibly determine, based on the frequencyseparation of the CA configured by the network device and the frequencyseparation class of each RF channel of the terminal device, whether theterminal device supports the CA by using one PA or the plurality of Pas.This fully utilizes the CA capability of the terminal device.

In another possible implementation, the CA capability reporting messagefurther includes a maximum quantity of multiple-input multiple-output(MIMO) layers, and the maximum quantity of MIMO layers corresponds tothe PA architecture.

In another possible implementation, the quantity of MIMO layers includesa corresponding maximum MIMO layer quantity capability when the terminaldevice supports the CA by using the single PA, and a correspondingmaximum MIMO layer quantity capability when the terminal device supportsthe CA by using the plurality of Pas.

A maximum quantity of MIMO layers when the terminal device supports theCA by using the single PA may be different from a maximum quantity ofMIMO layers when the terminal device supports the CA by using theplurality of Pas. By reporting corresponding maximum quantities of MIMOlayers in different cases, the network device may perform proper MIMOconfiguration and scheduling based on the maximum quantities of MIMOlayers reported by the terminal device.

In another possible implementation, the CA capability reporting messagefurther includes RF indicator relaxation information, the RF indicatorrelaxation information indicates whether RF indicator relaxation isrequired when the terminal device supports the CA by using the singlePA, and the RF indicator relaxation includes adjacent channel leakageratio ACLR indicator relaxation and spectrum emission mask SEM indicatorrelaxation.

The RF indicator relaxation information further indicates the CAcapability of the terminal device. The network device may furtherdetermine, based on the RF indicator relaxation information, how toproperly configure CA for the terminal device based on capabilityinformation reported by the terminal device. In this way, the CAconfiguration is more flexible. For example, when the terminal devicereports to the network device that the terminal device needs the RFindicator relaxation to support the CA in a current CA combinationconfiguration by using the single PA, the network device may performscheduling adjustment in terms of a modulation order and the like, tobetter improve network performance.

According to a third aspect, a communication apparatus is provided,where the communication apparatus is applied to a terminal device, andthe apparatus includes a sending unit, configured to send a carrieraggregation (CA) capability reporting message to a network device, wherethe CA capability reporting message includes a frequency separationclass of each of at least one radio frequency (RF) channel of theterminal device and a power amplifier (PA) architecture of the terminaldevice. The PA architecture indicates that the PA architecture that canbe used by the terminal device to support CA is a single PA and/or aplurality of PAs.

The terminal device notifies, by reporting a CA capability that includesthe frequency separation class of each RF channel and the PAarchitecture, the network device of all possible CA configurationssupported by the terminal device, so that the network device canflexibly and properly configure a CA resource based on a CA capabilityreported by the terminal device.

In another possible implementation, the frequency separation classincludes one frequency separation class value, and the PA architecturethat can be used by the terminal device to support the CA and that isindicated by the PA architecture is the single PA.

In another possible implementation, the apparatus further includes areceiving unit, configured to receive frequency separation of the CAconfigured by the network device, where the frequency separation of theCA configured by the network device is determined based on the CAcapability reporting message. When the frequency separation of the CAconfigured by the network device is less than or equal to a maximumvalue of frequency separation classes of RF channels, the terminaldevice processes, by using the single PA, the frequency separation ofthe CA configured by the network device; and when the frequencyseparation of the CA configured by the network device is greater thanthe maximum value of the frequency separation classes of the RFchannels, the terminal device processes, by using the plurality of PAs,the frequency separation of the CA configured by the network device.

The terminal device may flexibly determine, based on the frequencyseparation of the CA configured by the network device and the frequencyseparation class of each RF channel of the terminal device, whether theterminal device supports the CA by using one PA or the plurality of PAs.This fully utilizes the CA capability of the terminal device.

In another possible implementation, the CA capability reporting messagefurther includes a maximum quantity of multiple-input multiple-output(MIMO) layers, and the maximum quantity of MIMO layers corresponds tothe PA architecture.

In another possible implementation, the maximum quantity of MIMO layersincludes a corresponding maximum quantity of MIMO layers when theterminal device supports the CA by using the single PA, and acorresponding maximum quantity of MIMO layers when the terminal devicesupports the CA by using the plurality of PAs.

The maximum quantity of MIMO layers when the terminal device supportsthe CA by using the single PA may be different from the maximum quantityof MIMO layers when the terminal device supports the CA by using theplurality of PAs. By reporting corresponding maximum quantities of MIMOlayers in different cases, the network device may perform proper MIMOscheduling and configuration based on the maximum quantities of MIMOlayers reported by the terminal device.

In another possible implementation, the CA capability reporting messagefurther includes RF indicator relaxation information, the RF indicatorrelaxation information indicates whether RF indicator relaxation isrequired when the terminal device supports the CA by using the singlePA, and the RF indicator relaxation includes adjacent channel leakageratio ACLR indicator relaxation and spectrum emission mask SEM indicatorrelaxation.

The RF indicator relaxation information further indicates the CAcapability of the terminal device. The network device may furtherdetermine, based on the RF indicator relaxation information, how toproperly configure CA for the terminal device based on capabilityinformation reported by the terminal device. In this way, the CAconfiguration is more flexible. For example, when the terminal devicereports to the network device that the terminal device needs the RFindicator relaxation to support the CA in a current CA combinationconfiguration by using the single PA, the network device may performscheduling adjustment in terms of a modulation order and the like, tobetter improve network performance.

According to a fourth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided,where the communication apparatus is applied to a network device, andthe apparatus includes a receiving unit, configured to receive a carrieraggregation (CA) capability reporting message sent by a terminal device,where the CA capability reporting message includes a frequencyseparation class of each of at least one radio frequency (RF) channel ofthe terminal device and a power amplifier (PA) architecture of theterminal device. The PA architecture indicates that the PA architecturethat can be used by the terminal device to support CA is a single PAand/or a plurality of Pas.

The network device receives a CA capability reported by the terminaldevice and learns of all possible CA configurations supported by theterminal device, so that the network device can flexibly and properlyconfigure a CA resource based on a CA capability reported by theterminal device.

In another possible implementation, the frequency separation classincludes one frequency separation class value, and the PA architecturethat can be used by the terminal device to support the CA and that isindicated by the PA architecture is the single PA.

In another possible implementation, the apparatus further includes: adetermining unit, configured to determine, based on the CA capabilityreporting message, frequency separation of the CA configured for theterminal device; and a sending unit, configured to send the frequencyseparation of the configured CA to the terminal device. When thefrequency separation of the CA configured by the network device is lessthan or equal to a maximum value of frequency separation classes of RFchannels, the terminal device processes, by using the single PA, thefrequency separation of the CA configured by the network device; andwhen the frequency separation of the CA configured by the network deviceis greater than the maximum value of the frequency separation classes ofthe RF channels, the terminal device processes, by using the pluralityof Pas, the frequency separation of the CA configured by the networkdevice.

The terminal device may flexibly determine, based on the frequencyseparation of the CA configured by the network device and the frequencyseparation class of each RF channel of the terminal device, whether theterminal device supports the CA by using one PA or the plurality of Pas.This fully utilizes the CA capability of the terminal device.

In another possible implementation, the CA capability reporting messagefurther includes a maximum quantity of multiple-input multiple-output(MIMO) layers, and the maximum quantity of MIMO layers corresponds tothe PA architecture.

In another possible implementation, the maximum quantity of MIMO layersincludes a corresponding maximum quantity of MIMO layers when theterminal device supports the CA by using the single PA, and acorresponding maximum quantity of MIMO layers when the terminal devicesupports the CA by using the plurality of Pas.

The maximum quantity of MIMO layers when the terminal device supportsthe CA by using the single PA may be different from the maximum quantityof MIMO layers when the terminal device supports the CA by using theplurality of Pas. By reporting corresponding quantities of MIMO layersin different cases, the network device may perform proper MIMOconfiguration and scheduling based on the quantities of MIMO layersreported by the terminal device.

In another possible implementation, the CA capability reporting messagefurther includes RF indicator relaxation information, the RF indicatorrelaxation information indicates whether RF indicator relaxation isrequired when the terminal device supports the CA by using the singlePA, and the RF indicator relaxation includes adjacent channel leakageratio ACLR indicator relaxation and spectrum emission mask SEM indicatorrelaxation.

The RF indicator relaxation information further indicates the CAcapability of the terminal device. The network device may furtherdetermine, based on the RF indicator relaxation information, how toproperly configure CA for the terminal device based on capabilityinformation reported by the terminal device. In this way, the CAconfiguration is more flexible. For example, when the terminal devicereports to the network device that the terminal device needs the RFindicator relaxation to support the CA in a current CA combinationconfiguration by using the single PA, the network device may performscheduling adjustment in terms of a modulation order and the like, tobetter improve network performance.

According to a fifth aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable mediumis provided. The non-transitory computer-readable medium stores programcode for execution by a device, and the program code includes programcode used to perform the communication method according to any one ofthe first aspect or the implementations of the first aspect.

According to a sixth aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable mediumis provided. The non-transitory computer-readable medium stores programcode for execution by a device, and the program code includes programcode used to perform the communication method according to any one ofthe second aspect or the implementations of the second aspect.

According to a seventh aspect, a computer program product is provided,where the computer program product includes computer program code, andwhen the computer program code is run on a computer, the computer isenabled to perform the communication method according to any one of thefirst aspect or the implementations of the first aspect.

According to an eighth aspect, a computer program product is provided,where the computer program product includes computer program code, andwhen the computer program code is run on a computer, the computer isenabled to perform the communication method according to any one of thesecond aspect or the implementations of the second aspect.

According to a ninth aspect, a chip is provided, where the chip includesa processor and a data interface, and the processor reads, through thedata interface, instructions stored in a memory, to perform thecommunication method according to any one of the first aspect or theimplementations of the first aspect.

Optionally, in an implementation, the chip may further include thememory. The memory stores the instructions. The processor is configuredto execute the instructions stored in the memory. When the instructionsare executed, the processor is configured to perform the communicationmethod according to any one of the first aspect or the implementationsof the first aspect.

According to a tenth aspect, a chip is provided, where the chip includesa processor and a data interface, and the processor reads, through thedata interface, instructions stored in a memory, to perform thecommunication method according to any one of the second aspect or theimplementations of the second aspect.

Optionally, in an implementation, the chip may further include thememory. The memory stores the instructions. The processor is configuredto execute the instructions stored in the memory. When the instructionsare executed, the processor is configured to perform the communicationmethod according to any one of the second aspect or the implementationsof the second aspect.

According to an eleventh aspect, an apparatus is provided, including aprocessor and a memory, where the memory is configured to store computerprogram code, and when the computer program code is run on theprocessor, the apparatus is enabled to perform the communication methodaccording to any one of the first aspect or the implementations of thefirst aspect.

According to a twelfth aspect, an apparatus is provided, including aprocessor and a memory, where the memory is configured to store computerprogram code, and when the computer program code is run on theprocessor, the apparatus is enabled to perform the communication methodaccording to any one of the second aspect or the implementations of thesecond aspect.

According to a thirteenth aspect, a communication system is provided,including the communication apparatus according to any one of the thirdaspect or the implementations of the third aspect and the communicationapparatus according to any one of the fourth aspect or theimplementations of the fourth aspect, to enable the communication systemto implement the communication method according to any one of the firstaspect or the implementations of the first aspect and the communicationmethod according to any one of the second aspect or the implementationsof the second aspect.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system according to anembodiment;

FIG. 2 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method according toan embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of intra-band non-contiguous carrieraggregation according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a method for reporting an intra-bandnon-contiguous carrier aggregation configuration;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a method for reporting a carrieraggregation configuration according to an embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a communicationapparatus according to an embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a communicationapparatus according to another embodiment \;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a communicationapparatus according to another embodiment; and

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a communicationapparatus according to another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The following clearly describes the embodiments with reference to theaccompanying drawings. It is clear that the described embodiments aresome, but not all, of the embodiments.

The embodiments may be applied to various communication systems, such asa global system for mobile communications (GSM) system, a code divisionmultiple access (CDMA) system, a wideband code division multiple access(WCDMA) system, a general packet radio service (GPRS) system, a longterm evolution (LTE) system, an LTE frequency division duplex (FDD)system, an LTE time division duplex (TDD) system, a universal mobiletelecommunications system (UMTS), a worldwide interoperability formicrowave access (WiMAX) communication system, a future 5^(th)generation (5G) system, or a new radio (NR) system.

For ease of understanding the embodiments, a communication system shownin FIG. 1 is first used as an example to describe in detail acommunication system applicable to the embodiments. FIG. 1 is aschematic diagram of the wireless communication system 100 applicable tothe embodiments. As shown in FIG. 1 , the wireless communication system100 may include one or more network devices, for example, a networkdevice 110 shown in FIG. 1 . The wireless communication system 100 mayfurther include one or more terminal devices, for example, a terminaldevice 120 and a terminal device 130 shown in FIG. 1 .

It should be understood that the network device in the communicationsystem 100 may be any device with a wireless transceiver function or achip that may be disposed in the device. The device includes, but is notlimited to, an evolved NodeB (eNB), a radio network controller (RNC), aNodeB (NB), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station(base transceiver station, BTS), a home evolved NodeB (HNB), a donoreNodeB (DeNB), a baseband unit (BBU), and an access point (AP), awireless relay node, a wireless backhaul node, a transmission point(TP), a transmission reception point (TRP), and the like in a wirelessfidelity (WiFi) system. Alternatively, the device may be a gNB or atransmission point (a TRP or a TP) in a 5G system such as an NR system;may be one antenna panel or a group of antenna panels (including aplurality of antenna panels) of a base station in a 5G system; or mayfurther be a network node such as a baseband unit (BBU) or a distributedunit (DU) that constitutes a gNB or a transmission point.

In some deployments, a gNB may include a centralized unit (CU) and a DU.The gNB may further include a radio frequency unit (RU). The CUimplements a part of functions of the gNB, and the DU implements a partof the functions of the gNB. For example, the CU implements functions ofa radio resource control (RRC) layer and a packet data convergenceprotocol (PDCP) layer. The DU implements functions of a radio linkcontrol (RLC) layer, a media access control (MAC) layer, and a physicalPHY) layer. Information at the RRC layer eventually becomes informationat the PHY layer or is converted from the information at the PHY layer.Therefore, in the architecture, higher layer signaling such as RRC layersignaling or PHCP layer signaling may also be considered as being sentby the DU or sent by the DU and the RU. It may be understood that thenetwork device may be a CU node, a DU node, or a device including a CUnode and a DU node. In addition, the CU may be classified as a networkdevice in an access network RAN, or the CU may be classified as anetwork device in a core network CN. This is not limited herein.

It should be further understood that a terminal device in thecommunication system 100 may also be referred to as user equipment (UE),an access terminal, a subscriber unit, a subscriber station, a mobilestation, a remote station, a remote terminal, a mobile device, a userterminal, a terminal, a wireless communication device, a user agent, ora user apparatus. The terminal device in the embodiments may be a mobilephone, a tablet computer (pad), a computer with a wireless transceiverfunction, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality(AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal in industrial control, awireless terminal in self driving, a wireless terminal in telemedicine,a wireless terminal in a smart grid , a wireless terminal intransportation safety, a wireless terminal in a smart city, a wirelessterminal in a smart home, or the like. An application scenario is notlimited in the embodiments. the foregoing terminal device and the chipthat can be disposed in the foregoing terminal device may becollectively referred to as a terminal device.

It should be understood that FIG. 1 shows only an example of the networkdevice 110, the terminal device 120, and the terminal device 130 forease of understanding. However, this should not constitute anylimitation. The wireless communication system may further include morenetwork devices or may include more or fewer terminal devices. Networkdevices that communicate with different terminal devices may be a samenetwork device or may be different network devices. Quantities ofnetwork devices that communicate with different terminal devices may bethe same or may be different. This is not limited.

Carrier aggregation (CA) means that two or more component carriers (CC)are aggregated together to support a larger transmission bandwidth. Toefficiently utilize fragmented spectrums, the carrier aggregationsupports aggregation of different CCs. The carrier aggregation mayinclude intra-band or inter-band CC aggregation. The intra-band CCaggregation may be further classified into intra-band contiguous ornon-contiguous CC aggregation, and the like. In a CA technology, aterminal device may determine, based on a capability of the device, amaximum quantity of carriers that can be used to perform uplink anddownlink transmission at the same time. A CA reporting method in theembodiments may be applied to reporting, by a terminal device, of a CAcapability in intra-band non-contiguous carrier aggregation (NC CA) andinter-band carrier aggregation.

In the system shown in FIG. 1 , the terminal device 120 may report, tothe network device 110, a CA configuration supported by the terminaldevice 120, and the network device 110 schedules a CA resource for theterminal device 120 based on the CA configuration reported by theterminal device 120. Alternatively, the terminal device 130 may report,to the network device 110, a CA configuration supported by the terminaldevice 130, and the network device 110 schedules a CA resource for theterminal device 130 based on the CA configuration reported by theterminal device 130.

The following describes in detail the CA reporting method in theembodiments by using the intra-band non-contiguous carrier aggregation(NC CA) as an example.

FIG. 2 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method according toan embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2 , the communication method in thisembodiment includes step S201 to step S204.

S201: A terminal device sends a CA capability reporting message to thenetwork device. The terminal device may report a CA capability supportedby the terminal device to the network device, so that the network devicecan schedule a CA resource for the terminal device.

For example, the CA capability message reported by the terminal devicemay include a CA combination, a capability parameter of the combination,a band used in the combination, a parameter of the band, and a parameterof each CC in the combination.

S202: The network device receives the CA capability reporting messagesent by the terminal device. After receiving the CA capability reportingmessage sent by the terminal device, the network device may configure,for the terminal device based on the CA capability of the terminaldevice, a CA resource that can be processed by the terminal device.

S203: The network device sends, to the terminal device, the CA resourceconfigured for the terminal device. For example, the network device mayconfigure frequency separation of the CA for the terminal device, andthe network device may further schedule a quantity of multiple-inputmultiple-output (MIMO) layers for the terminal device.

S204: The terminal device processes the CA resource configured by thenetwork device. For example, the terminal device may determine, based onthe frequency separation of the CA configured by the network device anda radio frequency channel capability of the terminal device, how toprocess the CA resource configured by the network device. With referenceto FIG. 3 to FIG. 5 , the following describes the CA capabilityreporting message sent by the terminal device to the network device instep S201.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of NC CA. As shown in FIG. 3 , a band(band) A includes two non-contiguous CCs: a CC 1 and a CC 2. In existingNC CA reporting, the terminal device reports, to a base station, asupported CA combination, a capability parameter of the combination, aband used in the combination, a parameter of the band, and a parameterof each CC in the combination. FIG. 4 shows content of a CA capabilitymessage reported by the terminal device in the existing NC CA reporting.As shown in FIG. 4 , parameters of each CC include a bandwidth type ofthe CC, a bandwidth, a subcarrier spacing (SCS), and a maximum quantityof multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) layers supported by theterminal device on the CC.

For example, CA combinations supported by the terminal device are the CC1 and the CC 2, where both of the CC 1 and the CC 2 belong to a band X.In a BandCombination field of a packet, the supported CC combinationreported by the terminal de“ice is "Band "+Band X".

In a Bandparameter field of the packet, the terminal device reports aparameter of a band corresponding to each CC. For example, for the CC 1,a class A is reported in a Bandwidthclass field, and the classcorresponds to a quantity of contiguous carriers included in the band Xcorresponding to the CC 1. For example, BandwidthclassA indicates thatthe band X includes one carrier. A bandwidth that can be supported onthe CC 1 is reported in a supportedBandwidthDL or supportedBandwidthULfield. An SCS of the CC 1 is reported in a supportedSubcarrierSpacingDLor supportedSubcarrierSpacingUL field. A maximum quantity of MIMO layersthat can be supported by the terminal device on the CC 1 is reported ina maxNumberMIMO-LayerPDSCH or maxNumberMIMO-LayerPUSCH field.

For example, the terminal device supports intra-band non-contiguouscarrier aggregation on the band X. The combination of the two CCs (theCC 1 and the CC 2) is used as an example. For the CC 1, a bandwidth of acarrier is 40 MHz, an SCS is 15 kHz, and a maximum quantity of supportedMIMO layers is 2. For the CC 2, a bandwidth of a carrier is 50 MHz, anSCS is 30 kHz, and a maximum quantity of supported MIMO layers is 4. Inthis case, information reported by the terminal device is as follows:

Band X+Band X            Band X{            BandwithclassA           40 MHz            15 kHz            MIMO=2            }           Band X{            BandwithclassA            50 MHz           30 kHz            MIMO=4            }

In addition, the terminal device may further report a frequencyseparation class (separation class), and the frequency separation classindicates a total bandwidth of all CCs and a gap (gap) between the CCs.As shown in FIG. 3 , the frequency separation class indicates a sum ofbandwidths, of wanted signals (for example, the CC 1 and the CC 2), thatcan be supported by the terminal device and a gap bandwidth betweennon-contiguous CCs.

In the foregoing reporting manner, the quantity of MIMO layers reportedby the terminal device is a corresponding quantity of MIMO layers wheneach radio frequency (radio frequency, RF) channel of the terminaldevice processes only the wanted signal. In other words, in an existingreporting manner, for one CA combination configuration, the terminaldevice can report only one corresponding quantity of MIMO layers on eachCC, that is, a maximum quantity of MIMO layers that can be supported byeach CC under an assumption that the RF channel processes only thewanted signal.

The corresponding quantity of MIMO layers may be different when each RFchannel can process a plurality of CCs and a gap between the CCs. Forexample, the terminal device supports the CA by using two RF channels:an RF 1 and an RF 2, and the terminal device supports the combination ofthe CC 1 and the CC 2 on the band X. When a bandwidth that can beprocessed by the RF 1 is greater than frequency separation (frequencyseparation) between the CC 1 and the CC 2 in a current networkconfiguration, the terminal device may process the CA combination byusing the RF 1, and another RF channel other than the RF 1 may be usedto support MIMO. When bandwidths that can be processed by the RF 1 andthe RF 2 are less than frequency separation (frequency separation)between the CC 1 and the CC 2 in a current network configuration, theterminal device processes the CA combination by using both of the RF 1and the RF 2, and another RF other than the RF 1 and the RF 2 may beused to support MIMO. In the two cases, the quantity of MIMO layerssupported by the terminal device on each CC may be different.

An embodiment may provide a communication method. A terminal device mayreport, for each CA combination configuration, a frequency separationclass supported by each channel and an architecture capability of atransmitter to a network device, so that the network device can properlyconfigure and schedule a CA resource based on CA capability informationof the terminal device.

The following describes, with reference to FIG. 5 , content of the CAcapability reporting message sent by the terminal device to the networkdevice in step S201 in the communication method in this embodiment.

FIG. 5 shows content reported by a terminal device in NC CA according toan embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 5 , in some embodiments, in addition to reporting theCA combination supported by the terminal device, the capabilityparameter of the combination, the band used in the combination, theparameter of the band, and the parameter of each CC in the combination,the terminal device further reports, in the CA combination, a frequencyseparation class and a power amplifier (PA) architecture that aresupported by each RF channel of the terminal device.

A frequency separation class value of each RF channel indicates maximumfrequency separation that can be processed by each RF channel.

In a transmitter architecture of the terminal device, each RF channelcorresponds to one PA, the PA architecture indicates a capability ofsupporting CA by the RF channel of the terminal device, and a value ofthe PA architecture indicates that the PA architecture used by theterminal device to support the CA is a single PA and a plurality of PAs.For example, the following describes in detail an intra-bandnon-contiguous carrier aggregation reporting method in the embodimentsby using an example in which the PA architecture used by the terminaldevice to support the CA is the single PA and two PAs.

In some embodiments, the terminal device can support CA by using onlyone RF channel (for example, Tx1). In this case, the terminal devicereports a separation class of the one RF channel, and a value of a PAarchitecture is a single PA (1 PA).

The terminal device notifies, by reporting a CA capability that includesthe frequency separation class of each RF channel and the PAarchitecture, the network device of all possible CA configurationssupported by the terminal device, so that the network device canflexibly and properly configure a CA resource based on a CA capabilityreported by the terminal device.

For example, in an embodiment, frequency separation class of the RFchannel and the PA architecture that are reported by the terminal deviceare as follows: separation class (Tx1) = 100 MHz, and PA architecture =1 PA.

In this case, the terminal device can support the CA by using only oneRF channel (Tx1), and Tx1 can support only NC CA whose frequencyseparation is within 100 MHz and that is configured by the networkdevice. In addition, only one maximum quantity of MIMO layers isreported in a parameter of each CC, and the quantity of MIMO layerscorresponds to a maximum quantity of MIMO layers when the terminaldevice supports the CA by using the single PA.

In this case, in step S202 and step S203, after receiving the CAcapability reporting message sent by the terminal device, the networkdevice may configure CA with frequency separation not greater than 100MHz for the terminal device based on the separation class of the RFchannel and the PA architecture that are in the message, and the maximumquantity of MIMO layers; and schedule the quantity of MIMO layers basedon the maximum quantity of MIMO layers supported by the terminal device.

In some embodiments, the terminal device reports separation classes oftwo RF channels. In this case, a value of a PA architecture reported bythe terminal device“may “e “both”, indicating that the PA architecturethat can be used by the terminal device to support CA is a single PA andtwo PAs. In addition, based on a value of frequency separation of CAconfigured by a network device and a value of a separation class of anRF channel, the terminal device may determine to support a CAconfiguration of the current network device by using the single PA orthe two PAs.

When frequency separation of a CA combination configured by the networkdevice is less than or equal to a maximum value in separation classes ofRF channels, the terminal device may support the CA by using the singlePA. When the frequency separation of the CA configured by the networkdevice is greater than a maximum value in separation classes of the RFchannels, the terminal device supports the CA by using the two PAs, andthe terminal device can fully utilize a CA capability.

For example, in an embodiment, the frequency separation class of the RFchannel and the PA architecture that are reported by the terminal deviceare as follows: separation class (Tx1) = 100 MHz, separation class (Tx2)= 100 MHz, and PA architecture = both.

In this case, the terminal device has two RF channels (Tx1 and Tx2) thatmay be used to support the CA, and the separation class supported byeach channel is 100 MHz. Because the value of the PA architec"ure “s“both“, the terminal device may use one PA to support the CA under someconditions and may use the two PAs to support the CA under otherconditions.

For example, the network device sends frequency separation of theconfigured CA to the terminal device in step S203. When the frequencyseparation of the CA configured by the network device is less than orequal to 100 MHz, the terminal device determines, in step S204, that oneRF channel may be used to support the CA, which is equivalent to PAarchitecture = 1 PA. For example, Tx1 is used to support the CA, and Tx2is used to support MIMO; or Tx2 is used to support the CA, and Tx1 isused to support the MIMO.

When the frequency separation of the CA configured by the network deviceis greater than 100 MHz, the frequency separation exceeds a range thatcan be processed by one channel. Therefore, each CC needs to beprocessed by using two channels. The terminal device determines, in stepS204, to process the CA configured by the network device by using two RFchannels, which is equivalent to PA architecture = 2 PAs.

In this case, the terminal device supports two CA configurations: one PAand the two PAs. Therefore, when a parameter of each CC is reported, twoquantities of MIMO layers are reported, for the two CA configurations,in a field for reporting a maximum quantity of MIMO layers: a maximumquantity of MIMO layers corresponding to a one-PA architecture (MIMOlayer for 1 PA) and a maximum quantity of MIMO layers corresponding to atwo-PA architecture (MIMO layer for 2 Pas).

In this case, in step S203, when the frequency separation of the CAconfigured by the network device is less than or equal to 100 MHz, thenetwork device schedules the quantity of MIMO layers of the MIMO layerfor one PA for the terminal device; or when the frequency separation ofthe CA configured by the network device is greater than 100 MHz, thenetwork device schedules the quantity of MIMO layers of the MIMO layerfor two Pas for the terminal device.

A maximum quantity of MIMO layers when the terminal device supports theCA by using the single PA may be different from a maximum quantity ofMIMO layers when the terminal device supports the CA by using the twoPas. By reporting corresponding quantities of MIMO layers in differentcases, the network device may perform proper MIMO configuration andscheduling based on the quantities of MIMO layers reported by theterminal device.

In some embodiments, the two maximum quantities of MIMO layers may bereported in a list form in the field for reporting the maximum quantityof MIMO layers for each CC, for example, MIMO = {MIMO layer for 1 PA,MIMO layer for 2 PA}. It should be understood that, in this embodiment,quantities of MIMO layers corresponding to a plurality of CAconfigurations may be alternatively reported by using another datastructure other than the list. This is not limited in this embodiment.

It should be understood that the value of the separation class of eachRF channel reported by the terminal device may be different. When thevalue of the PA architecture is “both”, the terminal device maydetermine, based on the maximum value in the separation classes of theRF channels and a value of a separation class of the CC configured bythe network device, whether the terminal device is configured to supportthe CA by using the single PA or the two Pas.

In some embodiments, when reporting separation classes of two RFchannels, the terminal device may alternatively specify the PAarchitecture as two Pas.

For example, in another embodiment, frequency separation class of the RFchannel and the PA architecture that are reported by the terminal deviceare as follows: separation class (Tx1) = 100 MHz, separation class (Tx2)= 100 MHz, and PA architecture = 2 Pas.

In this case, the terminal device has two RF channels (Tx1 and Tx2) thatmay be used to support CA. In addition, because a value of the PAarchitecture is “2 PA”, the terminal device needs to support the CA byusing the two RF channels. If no additional RF channel can be used tosupport MIMO, only a maximum quantity of MIMO layers is reported as 1 ina parameter of each CC. In this case, if a quantity of MIMO layers thatneeds to be supported is more than one, more RF channels are required.

In this case, if no additional RF channel can be used to support theMIMO, a quantity of layers scheduled by the network device to theterminal device in step S203 is 1.

It should be understood that when separation classes of a plurality ofRF channels are reported, the separation classes of the channels may beseparately reported by using a plurality of channels, the separationclasses of the plurality channels may be reported as a list, or theseparation classes of the plurality of RF channels may be separatelyreported on a plurality of contiguous spectrum blocks. This is notlimited in this embodiment.

It should be understood that, in some embodiments, each RF channel usedto support CA may have a different separation class, and therefore acapability of a maximum quantity of MIMO layers supported on each CC maybe different. For example, in the CA configured by the network device,if a bandwidth of a CC 1 is 20 MHz, a bandwidth of a CC 2 is 60 MHz, anda gap between the CC 1 and the CC 2 is 20 MHz, frequency separation ofthe CA configured by the network device is 100 MHz. For example,frequency separation class of the RF channel reported by the terminaldevice is as follows: separation class (Tx1) = 100 MHz, and separationclass (Tx2) = 50 MHz.

In this case, the channel Tx1 can process the CC 1, the CC 2, and thegap between the two CCs, and the channel Tx2 can process only the CC 1.In this case, a quantity of MIMO layers of the CC 1 is 2, and a quantityof MIMO layers of the CC 2 is 1.

In this embodiment, an architecture and a capability of a transmitter ofthe terminal device are considered, and each CA configuration that maybe supported by the terminal device and a corresponding quantity of MIMOlayers are reported to the network device, so that the network devicecan properly configure and schedule a CA resource and a quantity of MIMOlayers based on CA capability information of the terminal device.

In some embodiments, in addition to reporting the CA combination, theparameter of each CC, the frequency separation class of each RF channel,and the PA architecture, the terminal device may further report RFindicator relaxation information. The indicator relaxation informationindicates whether RF indicator relaxation is required when the terminaldevice supports the CA by using one RF channel (a single-PAarchitecture). RF indicator relaxation includes adjacent channel leakageratio (ACLR) indicator relaxation and spectrum emission mask (SEM)indicator relaxation.

A value of the RF indicator relaxation information i“clu”es “Y“s””an”“N””. “Yes” indicates that the RF indicator relaxation is requir"d,"and“No” indicates that the RF indicator relaxation is not required.

When the CA capability reporting message sent by the terminal device instep S201 further includes the RF indicator relaxation indicationinformation, the network device may further perform schedulingadjustment in terms of a modulation order and the like in step S203, toimprove network performance.

The RF indicator relaxation information further indicates the CAcapability of the terminal device. The network device may furtherdetermine, based on the RF indicator relaxation information, how toproperly configure CA for the terminal device based on the capabilityinformation. In this way, the CA configuration is more flexible. Forexample, when the terminal device reports to the network device that theterminal device needs the RF indicator relaxation to support the CA in acurrent CA combination configuration by using one PA, the network mayperform scheduling adjustment in terms of the modulation order and thelike, to better improve the network performance.

After receiving the CA capability reporting message sent by the terminaldevice, the network device may properly schedule the CA resource and thequantity of MIMO layers based on the CA capability of the terminaldevice.

The foregoing describes in detail the communication methods in theembodiments with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 5 . It should be understoodthat the communication method in the embodiments may also be used in adual connection (DC) reporting scenario. In the DC reporting scenario,the terminal device and the network device perform operations similar tooperations of the terminal device and the network device in the CAreporting method in the embodiments. Details are not described hereinagain.

The following describes communication apparatuses in the embodimentswith reference to FIG. 6 to FIG. 9 .

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a communicationapparatus according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6 , thecommunication apparatus 500 includes a sending module 510. Thecommunication apparatus 500 may be applied to the terminal device in theforegoing method. The sending module 510 is configured to send a carrieraggregation (CA) capability reporting message to a network device, wherethe CA capability reporting message includes a frequency separationclass of each of at least one radio frequency (RF) channel of theterminal device and a power amplifier (PA) architecture of the terminaldevice. The PA architecture indicates that the PA architecture that canbe used by the terminal device to support CA is a single PA and/or aplurality of Pas. The terminal device notifies, by reporting a CAcapability that includes the frequency separation class of each RFchannel and the PA architecture, the network device of all possible CAconfigurations supported by the terminal device, so that the networkdevice can flexibly and properly configure a CA resource based on a CAcapability reported by the terminal device.

In some embodiments, the frequency separation class includes onefrequency separation class value, and the PA architecture that can beused by the terminal device to support the CA and that is indicated bythe PA architecture is the single PA.

In some other embodiments, the communication apparatus 500 may furtherinclude a receiving unit 520, configured to receive frequency separationof the CA configured by the network device. When the frequencyseparation of the CA configured by the network device is less than orequal to a maximum value of frequency separation classes of RF channels,the terminal device processes, by using the single PA, the frequencyseparation of the CA configured by the network device; and when thefrequency separation of the CA configured by the network device isgreater than the maximum value of the frequency separation classes ofthe RF channels, the terminal device processes, by using the pluralityof Pas, the frequency separation of the CA configured by the networkdevice.

The terminal device may flexibly determine, based on the frequencyseparation of the CA configured by the network device and the frequencyseparation class of each RF channel of the terminal device, whether theterminal device supports the CA by using one PA or the plurality of Pas.This fully utilizes the CA capability of the terminal device.

In some other embodiments, the CA capability reporting message furtherincludes a maximum quantity of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO)layers, and the maximum quantity of MIMO layers corresponds to the PAarchitecture.

In some other embodiments, the maximum quantity of MIMO layers includesa corresponding maximum quantity of MIMO layers when the terminal devicesupports the CA by using the single PA, and a corresponding maximumquantity of MIMO layers when the terminal device supports the CA byusing the plurality of Pas.

The maximum quantity of MIMO layers when the terminal device supportsthe CA by using the single PA may be different from the maximum quantityof MIMO layers when the terminal device supports the CA by using theplurality of Pas. By reporting corresponding quantities of MIMO layersin different cases, the network device may perform proper MIMOscheduling and configuration based on the quantities of MIMO layersreported by the terminal device.

In some other embodiments, the CA capability reporting message furtherincludes RF indicator relaxation information, the RF indicatorrelaxation information indicates whether RF indicator relaxation isrequired when the terminal device supports the CA by using the singlePA, and the RF indicator relaxation includes ACLR indicator relaxationand SEM indicator relaxation.

The RF indicator relaxation information further indicates the CAcapability of the terminal device. The network device may furtherdetermine, based on the RF indicator relaxation information, how toproperly configure CA for the terminal device based on capabilityinformation reported by the terminal device. In this way, the CAconfiguration is more flexible.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a communicationapparatus according to another embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7 , thecommunication apparatus 600 includes a receiving unit 610. Thecommunication apparatus 600 may be applied to the network device in theforegoing method. The receiving unit 610 is configured to receive acarrier aggregation (CA) capability reporting message sent by a terminaldevice, where the CA capability reporting message includes a frequencyseparation class of each of at least one radio frequency (RF) channel ofthe terminal device and a power amplifier (PA) architecture of theterminal device. The PA architecture indicates that the PA architecturethat can be used by the terminal device to support CA is a single PAand/or a plurality of PAs.

The network device receives a CA capability reported by the terminaldevice and learns of all possible CA configurations supported by theterminal device, so that the network device can flexibly and properlyconfigure a CA resource based on a CA capability reported by theterminal device.

In some embodiments, the frequency separation class includes onefrequency separation class value, and the PA architecture that can beused by the terminal device to support the CA and that is indicated bythe PA architecture is the single PA.

In some other embodiments, the communication apparatus 600 may furtherinclude a determining unit 620 and a sending unit 630.

The determining unit 620 is configured to determine to send frequencyseparation of the configured CA to the terminal device.

The sending unit 630 is configured to send the frequency separation ofthe configured CA to the terminal device. When the frequency separationof the CA configured by the network device is less than or equal to amaximum value of frequency separation classes of RF channels, theterminal device processes, by using the single PA, the frequencyseparation of the CA configured by the network device; and when thefrequency separation of the CA configured by the network device isgreater than the maximum value of the frequency separation classes ofthe RF channels, the terminal device processes, by using the pluralityof PAs, the frequency separation of the CA configured by the networkdevice.

The terminal device may flexibly determine, based on a frequencyseparation class of a CA configured by the network device and thefrequency separation class of each RF channel of the terminal device,whether the terminal device supports the CA by using one PA or theplurality of PAs. This fully utilizes the CA capability of the terminaldevice.

In some other embodiments, the CA capability reporting message furtherincludes a maximum quantity of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO)layers, and the maximum quantity of MIMO layers corresponds to the PAarchitecture.

In some other embodiments, the maximum quantity of MIMO layers includesa corresponding maximum quantity of MIMO layers when the terminal devicesupports the CA by using the single PA, and a corresponding maximumquantity of MIMO layers when the terminal device supports the CA byusing the plurality of PAs.

The maximum quantity of MIMO layers when the terminal device supportsthe CA by using the single PA may be different from the maximum quantityof MIMO layers when the terminal device supports the CA by using theplurality of PAs. By reporting corresponding quantities of MIMO layersin different cases, the network device may perform proper MIMOconfiguration and scheduling based on the quantities of MIMO layersreported by the terminal device.

In some other embodiments, the CA capability reporting message furtherincludes RF indicator relaxation information, the RF indicatorrelaxation information indicates whether RF indicator relaxation isrequired when the terminal device supports the CA by using the singlePA, and the RF indicator relaxation includes ACLR indicator relaxationand SEM indicator relaxation.

The RF indicator relaxation information further indicates the CAcapability of the terminal device. The network device may furtherdetermine, based on the RF indicator relaxation information, how toproperly configure CA for the terminal device based on capabilityinformation reported by the terminal device. In this way, the CAconfiguration is more flexible.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of another communication apparatus 700according to an embodiment. The communication apparatus 700 may beapplied to the terminal device in the foregoing method.

As shown in FIG. 8 , the communication apparatus 700 includes aprocessor 710, a memory 720, and a transceiver 730. The processor 710may be configured to: control a communication device, execute a softwareprogram, process data of the software program, and the like. The memory720 may be configured to store the software program and the data. Thetransceiver 730 sends a CA capability reporting message to a networkdevice.

For ease of description, FIG. 8 shows only one memory and one processor.In an actual communication device product, there may be one or moreprocessors and one or more memories. The memory may also be referred toas a storage medium, a storage device, or the like. The memory may bedisposed independent of the processor or may be integrated with theprocessor. This is not limited in the embodiments.

The transceiver may also be referred to as a transceiver unit, atransceiver apparatus, or the like. The processing unit may also bereferred to as a processor, a processing board, a processing module, aprocessing apparatus, or the like. A component that is in thetransceiver 730 and that is configured to implement a receiving functionmay be considered as a receiving unit, and a component that is in thetransceiver 730 and that is configured to implement a sending functionmay be considered as a sending unit. In other words, the transceiver 730includes the receiving unit and the sending unit. The receiving unit mayalso be sometimes referred to as a receiver machine, a receiver, areceiver circuit, or the like. The sending unit may also be sometimesreferred to as a transmitter machine, a transmitter, a transmittercircuit, or the like.

The processor 710, the memory 720, and the transceiver 730 communicatewith each other through an internal connection path, to transfer acontrol signal and/or a data signal.

The methods in the foregoing embodiments may be applied to the processor710 or may be implemented by the processor 710. The processor 710 may bean integrated circuit chip and has a signal processing capability. In animplementation process, the steps in the foregoing method may becompleted by using an integrated logic circuit of hardware in theprocessor 710 or instructions in a form of software.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of another communication apparatus 800according to an embodiment. The communication apparatus 800 may beapplied to the terminal device in the foregoing method.

As shown in FIG. 9 , the communication apparatus 800 includes aprocessor 810, a memory 820, and a transceiver 830. The processor 810may be configured to: control a communication device, execute a softwareprogram, process data of the software program, and the like. The memory820 may be configured to store the software program and the data. Thetransceiver 830 receives a CA capability reporting message sent by theterminal device.

For ease of description, FIG. 9 shows only one memory and one processor.In an actual communication device product, there may be one or moreprocessors and one or more memories. The memory may also be referred toas a storage medium, a storage device, or the like. The memory may bedisposed independent of the processor or may be integrated with theprocessor. This is not limited in the embodiments.

The transceiver may also be referred to as a transceiver unit, atransceiver apparatus, or the like. The processing unit may also bereferred to as a processor, a processing board, a processing module, aprocessing apparatus, or the like. A component that is in thetransceiver 830 and that is configured to implement a receiving functionmay be considered as a receiving unit, and a component that is in thetransceiver 830 and that is configured to implement a sending functionmay be considered as a sending unit. In other words, the transceiver 830includes the receiving unit and the sending unit. The receiving unit mayalso be sometimes referred to as a receiver machine, a receiver, areceiver circuit, or the like. The sending unit may also be sometimesreferred to as a transmitter machine, a transmitter, a transmittercircuit, or the like.

The processor 810, the memory 820, and the transceiver 830 communicatewith each other through an internal connection path, to transfer acontrol signal and/or a data signal.

The methods in the foregoing embodiments may be applied to the processor810 or may be implemented by the processor 810. The processor 810 may bean integrated circuit chip and has a signal processing capability. In animplementation process, the steps in the foregoing method may becompleted by using an integrated logic circuit of hardware in theprocessor 810 or instructions in a form of software.

An embodiment may further provides a non-transitory computer-readablemedium. The non-transitory computer-readable medium stores program code.When the computer program code is run on a computer, the computer isenabled to perform the method according to any one of the foregoingaspects. The computer-readable storage includes, but is not limited to,one or more of the following: a read-only memory (ROM), a programmableROM (PROM), an erasable PROM (EPROM), a flash memory, an electricallyEPROM (EEPROM), and a hard disk drive.

An embodiment may further provide a computer program product, applied toa terminal device. The computer program product includes computerprogram code. When the computer program code is executed by a computer,the computer is enabled to perform the method according to any possibleimplementation of any one of the foregoing aspects.

An embodiment may further provide a computer program product, applied toa network device. The computer program product includes computer programcode. When the computer program code is executed by a computer, thecomputer is enabled to perform the method according to any possibleimplementation of any one of the foregoing aspects.

An embodiment may further provide a chip system, applied to a terminaldevice, and the chip system includes: at least one processor, at leastone memory, and an interface circuit. The interface circuit isresponsible for information exchange between the chip system and anexternal environment. The at least one memory, the interface circuit,and the at least one processor are connected to each other through aline. The at least one memory stores instructions. The instructions areexecuted by the at least one processor, to perform operations of theterminal device in the methods according to the foregoing aspects.

An embodiment may further provide a chip system, applied to a networkdevice, and the chip system includes: at least one processor, at leastone memory, and an interface circuit. The interface circuit isresponsible for information exchange between the chip system and anexternal environment. The at least one memory, the interface circuit,and the at least one processor are connected to each other through aline. The at least one memory stores instructions. The instructions areexecuted by the at least one processor, to perform operations of thenetwork device in the methods according to the foregoing aspects.

In an implementation process, the chip may be implemented in a form of acentral processing unit (CPU), a micro controller unit (MCU), a microprocessing unit (MPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), asystem-on-a-chip (SoC), an application-specific integrated circuit(ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or a programmable logicdevice (PLD).

“At least two” or “a plurality of” means two or more. The term “and/or”describes an association relationship between associated objects andindicates that three relationships may exist. For example, A and/or Bmay indicate the following cases: only A exists, both A and B exist, andonly B exists, where A and B may be singular or plural. The character“/” generally indicates an “or” relationship between the associatedobjects.

“Predefine” may be understood as “define”, “predefine”, “store”,“pre-store”, “pre-negotiate”, “pre-configure”, “solidify”, or“pre-burn”.

It should be understood that “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” meansthat particular features, structures, or characteristics related toembodiments are included in at least one embodiment. Therefore, “in oneembodiment” or “in an embodiment” does not necessarily refer to a sameembodiment. In addition, these particular features, structures, orcharacteristics may be combined in one or more embodiments in anyappropriate manner. It should be understood that sequence numbers of theforegoing processes do not mean execution sequences in the variousembodiments. The execution sequences of the processes should bedetermined according to functions and internal logic of the processesand should not be construed as any limitation on the implementationprocesses of the embodiments.

Terms such as “component”, “module”, and “system” indicatecomputer-related entities, hardware, firmware, combinations of hardwareand software, software, or software being executed. For example, acomponent may be, but is not limited to, a process that runs on aprocessor, a processor, an object, an executable file, an executionthread, a program, and/or a computer. As illustrated by using figures,both of a computing device and an application that runs on the computingdevice may be components. One or more components may reside within aprocess and/or a thread of execution, and a component may be located onone computer and/or distributed between two or more computers. Inaddition, the components may be executed from various computer-readablemedia that store various data structures. For example, the componentsmay communicate by using a local and/or remote process and according to,for example, a signal having one or more data packets (for example, datafrom two components interacting with another component in a localsystem, a distributed system, and/or across a network such as theInternet interacting with other systems by using the signal).

It should be understood that sequence numbers of the foregoing processesdo not mean execution sequences in the various embodiments. Theexecution sequences of the processes should be determined according tofunctions and internal logic of the processes and should not beconstrued as any limitation on the implementation processes of theembodiments.

A person of ordinary skill in the art may be aware that, in combinationwith the examples described in the embodiments, units and algorithmsteps may be implemented by electronic hardware or a combination ofcomputer software and electronic hardware. Whether functions areperformed by hardware or software depends on particular applications andconstraint conditions. A person skilled in the art may use differentmethods to implement the described functions for each particularapplication, but it should not be considered that the implementationgoes beyond the scope of the embodiments.

It may be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art that, forthe purpose of convenient and brief description, for a detailed workingprocess of the foregoing system, apparatus, and unit, refer to acorresponding process in the foregoing method embodiment. Details arenot described herein again.

In the several embodiments, it should be understood that the systems,apparatuses, and methods may be implemented in other manners. Forexample, the described apparatus embodiments are merely examples. Forexample, division into units is merely logical function division and maybe other division in an actual implementation. For example, a pluralityof units or components may be combined or integrated into anothersystem, or some features may be ignored or not performed. In addition,the displayed or discussed mutual couplings or direct couplings orcommunication connections may be implemented through some interfaces.The indirect couplings or communication connections between theapparatuses or units may be implemented in electronic, mechanical, orother forms.

The units described as separate parts may or may not be physicallyseparate, and parts displayed as units may or may not be physical units,may be located in one position, or may be distributed on a plurality ofnetwork units. Some or all of the units may be selected based on anactual requirement to achieve the objectives of the solutions ofembodiments.

In addition, functional units in the embodiments may be integrated intoone processing unit, or each of the units may exist alone physically, ortwo or more units may be integrated into one unit.

When the functions are implemented in a form of a software functionalunit and sold or used as an independent product, the functions may bestored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on such anunderstanding, the embodiments essentially, or the part contributing tothe prior art may be implemented in a form of a software product. Thecomputer software product is stored in a storage medium and includesseveral instructions for instructing a computer device (which may be apersonal computer, a server, or a network device) to perform all or someof the steps of the methods described in the embodiments. The foregoingstorage medium includes any medium, for example, a USB flash drive, aremovable hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory(RAM), a magnetic disk, an optical disc, or the like that can storeprogram code.

The foregoing description is merely an implementation, but is notintended to limit the scope of the embodiments. Any variation orreplacement readily figured out by a person skilled in the art fallwithin the scope of the embodiments.

1. A communication method, comprising: sending, by a terminal device, acarrier aggregation (CA) capability reporting message to a networkdevice, wherein the CA capability reporting message comprises afrequency separation class of each of at least one radio frequency (RF)channel of the terminal device and a power amplifier (PA) architectureof the terminal device and the PA architecture indicates that the PAarchitecture configured to be used by the terminal device to support CAis a single PA and/or a plurality of PAs.
 2. The communication methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the frequency separation class comprisesone frequency separation class value, and the PA architecture configuredto be used by the terminal device to support the CA and that isindicated by the PA architecture is the single PA.
 3. The communicationmethod according to claim 1, further comprising: receiving, by theterminal device, frequency separation of the CA configured by thenetwork device, wherein the frequency separation of the CA configured bythe network device is determined based on the CA capability reportingmessage, when the frequency separation of the CA configured by thenetwork device is less than or equal to a maximum value of frequencyseparation classes of RF channels, the terminal device processes, byusing the single PA, the frequency separation of the CA configured bythe network device, and when the frequency separation of the CAconfigured by the network device is greater than the maximum value ofthe frequency separation classes of the RF channels, the terminal deviceprocesses, by using the plurality of PAs, the frequency separation ofthe CA configured by the network device.
 4. The communication methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the CA capability reporting messagefurther comprises a maximum quantity of multiple-input multiple-output(MIMO) layers, the maximum quantity of MIMO layers corresponds to the PAarchitecture, the maximum quantity of MIMO layers comprises acorresponding maximum quantity of MIMO layers when the terminal devicesupports the CA by using the single PA, and a corresponding maximumquantity of MIMO layers when the terminal device supports the CA byusing the plurality of PAs.
 5. The communication method according toclaim 1, wherein the CA capability reporting message further comprisesRF indicator relaxation information, the RF indicator relaxationinformation indicates whether RF indicator relaxation is required whenthe terminal device supports the CA by using the single PA, and the RFindicator relaxation comprises adjacent channel leakage ratio (ACLR)indicator relaxation and spectrum emission mask (SEM) indicatorrelaxation.
 6. A communication method comprising: receiving, by anetwork device, a carrier aggregation (CA) capability reporting messagesent by a terminal device, wherein the CA capability reporting messagecomprises a frequency separation class of each of at least one radiofrequency (RF) channel of the terminal device and a power amplifier (PA)architecture of the terminal device, and the PA architecture indicatesthat the PA architecture configured to be used by the terminal device tosupport CA is a single PA and/or a plurality of PAs.
 7. Thecommunication method according to claim 6, wherein the frequencyseparation class comprises one frequency separation class value, and thePA architecture configured to be used by the terminal device to supportthe CA and that is indicated by the PA architecture is the single PA. 8.The communication method according to claim 6, further comprising:determining, by the network device based on the CA capability reportingmessage, frequency separation of the CA configured for the terminaldevice; and sending, by the network device, the frequency separation ofthe configured CA to the terminal device.
 9. The communication methodaccording to claim 6, wherein the CA capability reporting messagefurther comprises a maximum quantity of multiple-input multiple-output(MIMO) layers, the maximum quantity of MIMO layers corresponds to the PAarchitecture, the maximum quantity of MIMO layers comprises acorresponding maximum quantity of MIMO layers when the terminal devicesupports the CA by using the single PA, and a corresponding maximumquantity of MIMO layers when the terminal device supports the CA byusing the plurality of PAs.
 10. The communication method according toclaim 6, wherein the CA capability reporting message further comprisesRF indicator relaxation information, the RF indicator relaxationinformation indicates whether RF indicator relaxation is required whenthe terminal device supports the CA by using the single PA, and the RFindicator relaxation comprises adjacent channel leakage ratio (ACLR)indicator relaxation and spectrum emission mask (SEM) indicatorrelaxation.
 11. A communication apparatus comprising: at least oneprocessor; and a memory storing programming instructions for executionby the at least one processor, the programming instructions configuringthe apparatus to : send a carrier aggregation (CA) capability reportingmessage to a network device, wherein the CA capability reporting messagecomprises a frequency separation class of each of at least one radiofrequency (RF) channel of the communication apparatus and a poweramplifier (PA) architecture of the communication apparatus, and the PAarchitecture indicates that the PA architecture configured to be used bythe communication apparatus to support CA is a single PA and/or aplurality of PAs.
 12. The communication apparatus according to claim 11,wherein the frequency separation class comprises one frequencyseparation class value, and the PA architecture configured to be used bythe communication apparatus to support the CA and that is indicated bythe PA architecture is the single PA.
 13. The communication apparatusaccording to claim 11, wherein the apparatus is further configured to:receive frequency separation of the CA configured by the network device,wherein the frequency separation of the CA configured by the networkdevice is determined based on the CA capability reporting message, whenthe frequency separation of the CA configured by the network device isless than or equal to a maximum value of frequency separation classes ofRF channels, the apparatus processes, by using the single PA, thefrequency separation of the CA configured by the network device, andwhen the frequency separation of the CA configured by the network deviceis greater than the maximum value of the frequency separation classes ofthe RF channels, the apparatus processes, by using the plurality of PAs,the frequency separation of the CA configured by the network device. 14.The communication apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the CAcapability reporting message further comprises a maximum quantity ofmultiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) layers, and the maximum quantityof MIMO layers corresponds to the PA architecture, the maximum quantityof MIMO layers comprises a corresponding maximum quantity of MIMO layerswhen the communication apparatus supports the CA by using the single PA,and a corresponding maximum quantity of MIMO layers when thecommunication apparatus supports the CA by using the plurality of PAs.15. The communication apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the CAcapability reporting message further comprises RF indicator relaxationinformation, the RF indicator relaxation information indicates whetherRF indicator relaxation is required when the communication apparatussupports the CA by using the single PA, and the RF indicator relaxationcomprises adjacent channel leakage ratio (ACLR) indicator relaxation andspectrum emission mask (SEM) indicator relaxation.
 16. A communicationapparatus comprising: at least one processor; and a memory storingprogramming instructions for execution by the at least one processor,the programming instructions configuring the communication apparatus to:receive a carrier aggregation (CA-) capability reporting message sent bya terminal device, wherein the CA capability reporting message comprisesa frequency separation class of each of at least one radio frequency(RF) channel of the terminal device and a power amplifier (PA)architecture of the terminal device, and the PA architecture indicatesthat the PA architecture configured to be used by the terminal device tosupport CA is a single PA and/or a plurality of PAs.
 17. Thecommunication apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the frequencyseparation class comprises one frequency separation class value, and thePA architecture configured to be used by the terminal device to supportthe CA and that is indicated by the PA architecture is the single PA.18. The communication apparatus according to claim 16, wherein theapparatus is further configured to: determine, based on the CAcapability reporting message, frequency separation of the CA configuredfor the terminal device; and send the frequency separation of theconfigured CA to the terminal device.
 19. The communication apparatusaccording to claim 16, wherein the CA capability reporting messagefurther comprises a maximum quantity of multiple-input multiple-output(MIMO) layers, the maximum quantity of MIMO layers corresponds to the PAarchitecture, the maximum quantity of MIMO layers comprises acorresponding maximum quantity of MIMO layers when the terminal devicesupports the CA by using the single PA, and a corresponding maximumquantity of MIMO layers when the terminal device supports the CA byusing the plurality of PAs.
 20. The communication apparatus according toclaim 16, wherein the CA capability reporting message further comprisesRF indicator relaxation information, the RF indicator relaxationinformation indicates whether RF indicator relaxation is required whenthe terminal device supports the CA by using the single PA, and the RFindicator relaxation comprises adjacent channel leakage ratio (ACLR)indicator relaxation and spectrum emission mask (SEM) indicatorrelaxation.